I have an hei chevy non-ecm 350 and it will not start. I put a new tinming chain on it a couple of months ago so I doubt thats it, I've set the distributor time asnd time again on the 1 and it sounds like it's about to start but goes back to turning over again. I replaced the starter and that didnt work either, the battery is charged as well. I poured gas in the top of the carb to see if it was a carb probelem to see if it would run for just a couple of seconds and that didnt work. As dangerous as this is, I even took the carb off and poured gas directly in the intake (fire extiguisher on hand just in case) and still nothing, i know it shouldve ran for a couple of seconds if it was a carb/fuel problem. It's getting fire, the compression should be fine because it was running just fine up until a few weeks ago. I'm just stumped. Oh yeah important info, it really hasnt worked since I put new exhaust manifold gaskets on it, I dont know if there's a connection, I can't think of one but thats when it stopped working. Also what maybe imprtant info is that like the car almost starts usually but one time it actually did fully start, I let it run for a lil while and then it died out cause it ran out of gas. I put about 4 gallons worth of gas in it and it hasnt fully started since. The time it did start I didnt do anything special, just the same turning the key over and frantically tapping the gas.

I'm sorry guys I know its a long,s omewhat rambling post but I just wanted to give as much info as possible in hopes that someone could diagnose my problem, thanks.

I would connect a test light or multimeter to the positive wire of the distributor and watch it while someone tries to fire up the car. also, you can try using a syringe or tiny funnel to pour gas into the overflow tube of the carb.

You say that as it cranks over it tries to start but just not enough to take off? If you look down the carb, holding open the throttle plates and pump the gas do you get a fuel spray? You say you have spark. It sounds like the engine is flooded with fuel. Remove and replace or remove all spark plugs and clean and dry. Then retry.

How did you test spark? Static (opening and closing points with an insulated screwdriver) or while Cranking?

If you did a static test, you might be losing spark on cranking..or the secondary Ignition is faulty.

A Good Clue is you were last working on the headers, and the secondary Ignition wire comes from the Starter solenoid "I" terminal, you may have accidentaly knocked it off, or cut the wire..Check to see if you actually get spark while cranking.

If you lose it on crank, check the solenoid "I" terminal.

Other than that was the spark a good "BLUE" fire or an anemic "ORANGE" fire?

Check the points, gap for about 17 thousands, make sure they are tight, (and not slipping or twisting the arm on crank) Not pitted..

Remove the capacitor, and try and fire it, If it runs, replace it, it is leaky.

Check the coil...you should have 6 to 9 volts on the battery side with the points CLOSED...If not, (higher) The resistor is bypassed and may have damaged your coil and / or points. Get a Coil, and Resistor.

Change or measure your plug wires. They could be deteriorated past the point of producing a good spark.

Check the rotor and cap for carbon trails or damage...carbon trails can be cleaned with brakecleen or carb cleaner...scoring , pitting or other damage must be replaced.

I ask this on every post like this...so don't take it wrong...You Did remember to actually put the rotor back in right?(I've done it myself )

Are the Plugs "WET" when you pull them or Dry?

If they are Dry, you have an induction / Valve train system problem.

I Bypass that because it won't run "Bottle Fed" So I'm assuming it's an electrical problem.

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